California Mortgage Loan Originator Requirements.

Mortgage Education Requirements

This information is intended to provide answers to commonly asked questions. It is not intended to replace detailed information found in your state's statutes and regulations. Though we have made reasonable efforts to ensure that the information given is reliable and current, we cannot guarantee that it is. For more information please take advantage of the resource links below.

Special Notice Regarding NMLS ID Numbers

All MLOs need to have a unique NMLS ID number in order to have their course completions recorded in NMLS. You may obtain your NMLS ID Number and find other important information in the NMLS resource center.
Click here to visit the NMLS resource center.

Mortgage Loan Originators Licensure Quick Facts

All existing California Mortgage Loan Originators and new MLOs must:
• Register with the NMLS and obtain a unique ID Number
• Successfully complete an NMLS approved 20-hour pre-license course, (including 2 hours of California-DBO state specific IF license will be through the CA-DBO).
• Pass an NMLS administered national exam to qualify for licensure.
• Pass a national background check

Credit Reporting

Cape will report CE credits to the NMLS within 5 business days of successful completion of the course final exam. We MUST have your NMLS number in order to report your completion (see "Register with the NMLS" above).  

Education Requirements

For information regarding pre-licensing and continuing education requirements and deadlines, the NMLS mandates the following for California:

NMLS requirements for California Department of Business Oversight (DBO)
NMLS requirements for California Bureau of Real Estate (BRE)

Contact Information:

If you are having trouble using NMLS or need assistance in using it, phone the NMLS Call Center at (240) 386-4444.

Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System

State Regulatory Registry, LLC
1155 Connecticut Ave. NW
Fifth Floor
Washington, D.C. 20036-4307
NMLS resource center

If you have a question concerning Califonia DBO licensing requirement or how to use NMLS to meet your state's licensing requirements, please click here:

If you have a question concerning Califonia BRE licensing requirement or how to use NMLS to meet your state's licensing requirements, please click here: